In-Depth Dialogue with the Creative Team: Exploring Friendship, Love, and Family Through Film
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Cambodia from September 4 to 6, selecting seven Hong Kong films to screen at Legend Cinema Olympia and Legend Cinema Eden Garden in Phnom Penh. The event aimed to promote in-depth exchanges among Hong Kong filmmakers, the Cambodian film industry, and local audiences, bringing a rich cinematic feast to Phnom Penh.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation returned to Cambodia from September 4 to 6, selecting seven Hong Kong films to screen at Legend Cinema Olympia and Legend Cinema Eden Garden in Phnom Penh. The event aimed to promote in-depth exchanges among Hong Kong filmmakers, the Cambodian film industry, and local audiences, bringing a rich cinematic feast to Phnom Penh.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026 was organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Bangkok, co-organised by Westec Media with venue support provided by Legend Cinema.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Miss CHENG Sze-ling, Director of HKETO Bangkok, noted that creative industry collaboration between Hong Kong and Cambodia has grown increasingly close in recent years. She emphasised that the office will continue to deepen Hong Kong’s economic, trade, and cultural ties with Cambodia and ASEAN countries, further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for cultural exchange.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Miss CHENG Sze-ling, Director of HKETO Bangkok, noted that creative industry collaboration between Hong Kong and Cambodia has grown increasingly close in recent years. She emphasised that the office would continue to deepen Hong Kong’s economic, trade, and cultural ties with Cambodia and ASEAN countries, further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for cultural exchange.
A Childhood Promise Realised: A Film Twenty Years Later
Kenny WONG: “I hope our film can officially reach Cambodian audiences, and I also hope to see more Hong Kong films played here in the future.”
Following the screening of Unidentified Murder, director Jack LEE and actors Ronald LAM and Kenny WONG held an engaging post-screening Q&A session with the audience. Beyond sharing humorous anecdotes from the set, the trio warmly revealed that the childhood pact depicted in the film was inspired by a real-life promise made between the creators and their investor during their secondary school days. A youthful promise— “I’ll fund your film one day when you finish a script”—eventually made its way onto the big screen decades later. The audience was deeply moved by the enduring friendship that turned a teenage dream into reality.
Ronald LAM, a former theatre actor who made his feature film debut in Unidentified Murder, shared that collaborating on a black comedy alongside the two directors felt seamless. Their years of friendship and shared creative vision fostered a harmonious, liberating atmosphere on set. LAM offered a thoughtful reflection to the crowd: “People often long for what they cannot have, but sometimes we must live in the moment and be grateful for what we already possess.” He encouraged aspiring actors to commit fully to their craft and to trust directors who lead their teams with clarity and vision, much like a captain steering a ship.
In addition to hinting at a potential sequel, the team expressed their eager anticipation for seeing more Hong Kong cinema on international screens, keeping the passion for film alive both on and off the screen.
Emerging Actors Go Abroad: Jayden CHEUNG and Yeung NGA-MAN Share Insights on Acting and Characters
Bird of Paradise, another featured film, brought actors Jayden CHEUNG and YEUNG Nga-man to Cambodia to engage with local cinema-goers. Their post-screening discussion centered on the physical demands of pole dancing, the joy of performance, character development, and the overarching theme of motherhood.
YEUNG Nga-man reflected on her character, the seventeen-year-old Shan-shan, who takes up pole dancing alongside MEI-yuen (played by Catherine CHAU), a middle-aged housewife. YEUNG noted that perspectives naturally evolve with age—young people rarely foresee the complexities of adulthood, while adults shouldn’t judge their past choices through an overly harsh lens. She explained that it is this gradual accumulation of life experience, mindset, and self-awareness that creates such compelling chemistry between the characters.
Jayden CHEUNG also focused on the theme of motherhood, sharing his thoughts on self-identity and maternal sacrifice. He observed that when a woman gives birth, her life and identity undergo a profound transformation. CHEUNG highlighted how the mother in the film makes unconventional choices, such as taking up pole dance, which initially shocks and confuses her son. However, through candid dialogue, mutual tolerance, and understanding, their bond is ultimately strengthened and deepened.
Two Years to Write His First Script: Keane WONG Details Behind the Scenes of Afterpiece
After the screening of Afterpiece, writer-director Keane WONG shared the inspiration behind the film and offered behind-the-scenes insights. When asked by an audience member about the origin of the title Afterpiece, WONG explained that it stems from the world of theatre. Although he had no prior background in theatrical production, he conducted extensive research to ensure an authentic portrayal—consulting a stage director, organising comprehensive rehearsals, and casting seasoned theatre actors in supporting roles.
As an emerging filmmaker, WONG admitted that writing and directing Afterpiece was an arduous and lonely two-year endeavor, as it was his debut screenplay. Despite the challenges, he found the process deeply fulfilling.
Regarding the casting process, WONG revealed that the script was originally tailor-made for Angela YUEN, hoping to show audiences a new side of her beyond her past youthful roles. Myolie WU, whose inclusion was suggested by the producer, delivered a compelling performance that broke away from her familiar television image.
Meanwhile, Stephen FUNG made a striking return to the big screen after years away from acting. He took on a role that subverted expectations, bringing a fresh yet refined intensity to the film that offered Hong Kong audiences a captivating mix of nostalgia and novelty.
When asked by an audience member how to overcome creative hurdles and seize career opportunities, WONG humbly replied that he is still learning, but firmly believes that every sincere effort in storytelling and performance has the power to inspire others and open new doors.
Stepping Beyond the Cinema: Hong Kong Filmmakers Meet Face-to-Face with Cambodian Students
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation extended its reach beyond cinema and onto university campuses. In the session’s first half, directors Keane WONG and Jack LEE, alongside actor Kenny WONG, shared their creative journeys. Later, actors Jayden CHEUNG and YEUNG Nga-man stepped into the classroom to address the realities of the film industry, including audition preparation, dealing with rejection, and how to build a healthy relationship with the director. The panel engaged in a candid, cross-cultural dialogue with local students passionate about filmmaking.
Responding to enthusiastic questions about starting in the industry, director Keane WONG stressed that writing a solid screenplay is the most essential first step in bringing a film to life. He assured students that by mastering the basics, accumulating experience step by step, and remaining persistent, opportunities will inevitably follow.
Director Jack LEE addressed the pragmatic challenge of low-budget filmmaking. He emphasised that adaptability is key, suggesting that young directors seek out talented crew members who have trained under industry veterans. This approach allows emerging filmmakers to benefit from high-level expertise while granting collaborators greater creative responsibility. By growing together on set, the team fosters a strong collaborative spirit and shares in the joy of creative development.
Kenny WONG highlighted the paramount importance of clear communication during production. Once he thoroughly understands a script, he makes it a priority to consult with the director and writer to align on story interpretation. Once on the same page, he proactively offers fresh ideas and creative input. Effective communication, he noted, ensures the entire crew works toward a unified goal: crafting a great film.
Focusing on the actor’s perspective, YEUNG Nga-man began by discussing audition preparation, emphasising that mastering lines is what allows for true spontaneity and improvisation on set. She added that a great director creates a safe environment where actors feel empowered to take risks and expose vulnerability. Reflecting on the demands of the craft, she remarked, “Giving up on something you love is often far harder than persevering through the struggle.”
Prompted by the students’ passion, the host asked the room, “How many of you want to join the film industry?” Hands shot up across the lecture hall, turning the Q&A into a heartwarming celebration of shared dreams. Jayden CHEUNG responded with a smile, “I’ll see you at the Oscars! Keep believing that your dedication will eventually pay off.”
What began as an industry workshop concluded as a vibrant exchange of shared aspirations. Though the path of filmmaking is often demanding, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Cambodian youth. Serving as a cultural bridge, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation continues to connect communities worldwide through cinema, offering audiences a gateway to the diversity of Hong Kong films while forging meaningful connections between talents across borders.
About Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA)
The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) was founded by the Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals, it is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Asian cinema and nurturing film talent. In addition to organising the annual Asian Film Awards, AFAA presents year-round screenings, cultural exchange programmes, talent development initiatives and international promotion projects to foster collaboration across the Asian film industry. Through these initiatives, AFAA strengthens connections among film professionals across Asia and promotes Asian cinema to international audiences.
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), established in June 2024 and formerly known as Create Hong Kong, is a dedicated office set up by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It provides one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries.
About Film Development Fund (FDF)
The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the local film industry. Since 2005, the HKSAR Government has injected around $ 2.9 billion in total into FDF to support Hong Kong’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience. In the past, FDF has supported a number of film productions and other film-related projects through various film production funding schemes and other film-related project schemes.
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